Fatima Women’s Association (FWA) was established in 1991 by the
local BAME women who recognised the lack of facilities available to the ethnic minority (global majority) women in the area. The aims and objectives of Fatima Women’s Association is to empower disadvantaged women, young people, and children from all communities in Oldham to improve their quality of life.
FWA was informed by one of the participants at the Warm hub that they had a neighbour who they empathised with, who lacked confidence, a single mother, struggling to make ends meet. The participant mentioned she tried persuading her neighbour to come to FWA's warm hub as we are seen as a friendly, active and inspirational organisation in the view of women in the community. I informed the participant, if her neighbour is not comfortable attending the centre, maybe she would be comfortable in speaking to us over the phone. The following day I spoke to the individual at great length, where she confided in me about her past, as well as mentioning her struggles bringing up 2 children, with financial struggles including language barrier as she only spoke Urdu.
After the phone conversation, my aim was to help the lady achieve small steps to maintain optimal contentment in life. In order to achieve it, it would require an action plan in which the initial point of action was to build a rapport in communication, build up the self-confidence of the individual so she would be willing to attend FWA.
I finally encouraged her to attend FWA’s warm hub where she could indulge in snacks, tea, coffee and integrate with other women. I introduced her to our manager. The manager spoke to her about various sessions she could enrol onto. We signposted her to Ukeff for the household support fund and legal advice and the foodhubs. We supported her with a letter to the Job Centre to support her with transport cost, as she was travelling frequently, covering over 3 miles a day, which was having an adverse effect on her legs. She enrolled onto our ‘Basic English’ language course and has attended our drop-in keep-fit and sewing sessions, too.
The outcome was a success, the individual since attending FWA has made friends, grew in character and confidence, thanks to the warm hub and is currently enrolled on the Basic English program. She is grateful to the charities that have provided support, as well as Staff at the centre who have helped her in various ways. The individual is grateful that FWA reached out to her. She has since said that she was initially hesitant to speak to outsiders, after meeting the Staff at FWA, it brought a positive effect on her decision to confide in us and ask for help. She has realised there are people and organisations that care, that have a positive impact on people's lives and that is structured to helping women, supporting them and encouraging them.
The next step for her is to hopefully gain skills and apply for a part-time job, soon.
This case study was one of many, we have worked with many women who have been withdrawn from society by varying factors and have helped overcome them. We believe the more funding we could achieve the more women we could help and support.